Foster Returns to Help Wheat Kings

By Nam Hoang

April 4th, 2002

Adrian Foster, sidelined since mid February and for the first 4 playoff games, showed why the New Jersey Devils drafted him in the 1st round of the 2001 draft. The Wheaties acquired Foster at the trade deadline by dealing Richard Muller to the Blades. Foster averaged a point per game this season with 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 27 contests.

After trading victories in the first four matches, the series was evened at two apiece. It was not until game 5 when Foster made his return to Wheaties. In his first game back, he contributed right away with a power play goal, although they ultimately lost in overtime 3-2. The main reason for his acquisition was to add a dynamic offensive force that would also help their power play unit. Although he did not score a goal in game 6, he did, however, pick up two assists, both on the power play. This set up a one game, winner takes all showdown. With the score deadlocked at 1-1 and only 6 and a half minutes to go, Foster beat Garnett for the game and series winning goal.

Many believed that Foster was overrated and should have more points than what he has. In 3 playoff games, Foster has 2 goals and 3 assists, including the series clincher. Before his return to the Wheaties, the team scored a total of 7 goals in 4 games. After his return, the team scored a total of 8 goals in 3 games. There have been a lot of comparisons to Muller as well because of the fact that it was a one player for one player deal. In the full 7 games, Muller was held pointless and carried a plus minus rating of -1.

Next up for the Blades are the Swift Current Broncos, with the first, second, fifth, and seventh games away. The Blades will have to try to neutralize both Nathan and Tim Smith, the team’s leading scorers. The series starts on April 5th.